Retail sales rose strongly in Sept. on autos, clothes
Mannequins are fashionably dressed in a Bloomingdale's store window in Manhattan. U.S. consumers stepped up their spending on retail goods in September. (Oct. 13, 2011) Credit: AP
U.S. consumers spent more on autos, clothing and furniture in September to boost retail sales by the most in seven months. The gain offered a hopeful sign for the sluggish economy.
The Commerce Department says retail sales increased 1.1 percent last month.
Auto sales rose 3.6 percent to drive the overall gain. Excluding that category, sales increased a solid 0.6 percent.
Updated now Newsday travel writer Scott Vogel took the ferry over to Block Island for a weekend of fun.
Updated now Newsday travel writer Scott Vogel took the ferry over to Block Island for a weekend of fun.
